Dangerous Liasons at Salle DUCEPPE until May 17th

Dangerous Liasons at Salle DUCEPPE until May 17th

Dangerous Liaisons, a scathing satire on mutual attraction, love and the various lies that we tell each other in order to achieve our diabolical means..

“Love, power, desire and sexuality are themes that are never outdated”.

“Love always makes you believe what we should doubt the most...”

Marivaux

Dangerous Liasons, is a satirical play written by Christopher Hampton and adapted from the 1782 novel of the same title by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos. Currently running until the 17th of May 2014 at DUCEPPE Hall of La Place des Arts, the play has been translated into French and set under the brilliantly direction of Serge Denoncourt.

The production paints a sensual portrait of power, seduction, manipulation and betrayal among the idle, French aristocrats….

The plot focuses on the beautiful yet manipulative Marquise of Merteuil (Julie Le Breton) who seeks revenge when she learns that her former lover is engaged to the young and pious Cécile Volanges (Kim Despatis). She concocts a devious plan with her ex lover and suave seducer Valmont (Éric Bruneau) to “sully” the innocent girl by initiating her to the pleasures of the bedroom. This heinous act alone is not enough to satisfy the perverse needs of these hypocritical, restless, cruel characters; Valmont wants a second victim: the prude and faithful President of Tourvel (Magalie Lepine-Blondeau). If Valmont succeeds in seducing her and brings a written proof of his success, he will enjoy the privilege of spending one last night of infinite pleasures with the Marquise de Merteuil ... When love and pride are at stake, no one is to be spared…

I found that although the dialogue was rich it flowed well. LeBreton with her strength of character and Bruneau with his disarming wit and charm, was a perfect match and acted credibly as the restless and amoral masterminds that enjoy challenging each others with feats of conquest and deceit.

The actors were supported well with a rich decor by Guillaume Lord and magnificent period costumes by François Barbeau that plunges us visually right into the heart of the lives of both the aggressors and victims of the cruel games thrown their way by the unscrupulous Vicomte de Valmont and the Marquise de Merteuil.

With a talented cast of actors, a lush set and an intriguing plot, Dangerous Liaisons, is simply a masterpiece, a scathing satire on mutual attraction, love and the various lies that we tell each other in order to achieve our diabolical means.

Never underestimated the evil that may lie dormant in others or even buried within yourself…

Running time: 2h and 30 min with intermissions

Advisory: The show contains nudity and graphic explicit situations.

Les Liasons Dangereuses by Christopher Hampton, directed by Serge Denoncourt, running in French from the 9th of April until 17th of May at DUCEPPE hall of La Place des Arts